LIMA EDUCATIONAL FIELD TRIP
(L.E.F.T.)
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LIMA EDUCATIONAL FIELD TRIP
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The Lima Educational Field Trip is a HBCU Tour designed to introduce/expose 8th through 12th grade students to the reality of obtaining a college degree, in an environment historically known to attract, retain and graduate students (of color), by offering smaller class sizes and a (typically more) supportive campus experience. As former high school and college educators, we are fully aware that many of our students have never been on a college campus, and those that have (visited) don't often see themselves, which impacts their vision and confidence that they too can enjoy a successful, timely and cost efficient college experience.
We also include cultural, historical and social experiences that many of our participants haven't experienced, which are also important factors for student success. The most effective aspect of this experience is being able to see and hear from former (local) high school students who participate in showing us around their respective campuses, answering questions and allowing our participants to see "themselves" thriving on a college campus. What a confidence booster!
The end goal is to inspire area youth to obtain a college degree, and then return to our communities to pursue professional opportunities in our hometown.
We hosted our first L.E.F.T. in 2019 (Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University, Spelman College, Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University, Ebenezer Baptist Church, The King Center, The Lenox Square Mall, and The Magic City Classic (Football Game featuring Alabama A&M vs. Alabama State). We didn't do anything in 2020 (COVID), but resumed the L.E.F.T. experience in 2021 at the Classic for Columbus featuring a Private HBCU Reception (with Central State & Kentucky State Universities), participation in the HBCU College & Career Fair, a Pre-Game Tailgate Party (with the Brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated) and premium seating in Ohio Stadium for the football game featuring Central State University and Kentucky State University. The 2022 L.E.F.T. was postponed due to Hurricane Ian, so the 2023 L.E.F.T. featured tours of North Carolina Central University, North Carolina Agriculture and Technology State University, Howard University, the MLK, Washington & Lincoln Memorial Monuments, the National Museum of African-American History & Culture and an exclusive fireplace conversation with former US Ambassador C. Steven McGann.
The 2024 L.E.F.T. presented the unique opportunity to visit with representatives from over 30 HBCU institutions in one location (Warrensville Heights High School). The highlight of this trip was TWO of our participants each receiving on-the-spot acceptance with full-ride scholarship offers from two different HBCUs.
The 2025 L.E.F.T. will return to Warrensville Heights High School's "Destination HBCU Colle Fair" on Saturday November 22nd. See the flier above for details, or click here.
Each youth participant is responsible for personally investing into this experience. However, in an effort to make this experience available to as many students as possible, we will continue to keep the individual participation investment as affordable as we possibly can. Thus, we invite individuals and organizations to Partner with us, by contributing towards this effort. As a Partner, your name/logo is highlighted on ALL participation t-shirts. In addition, you're invited to co-develop and participate in post-trip follow-up workshops/activities, including the encouragement of parents and participants to consider various professional career opportunities. You're also recognized in various social media posts, and you receive a personalized THANK YOU from the participants.
Currently there are 27 students from Lima/Allen County matriculating through various HBCUs, many of whom attended previous Lima Educational Field Trips.
Participation in the L.E.F.T. is designed for, but NOT exclusive to Lima area students. In fact some of our past participants are students who traveled to Lima from Dayton, Toledo, Columbus, Ft. Wayne (IN), and Newark (NJ).